MARQUETTE, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) – Hearings scheduled for this week against a couple charged with torturing and abusing a teen boy in Delta County will be reset.

The boy’s mother has waived her right to a hearing within 14 days. A lawyer for the woman’s boyfriend says his hearing scheduled for today will not be held either.

46-year old Susan Bardo and 47-year old Carl Pellinen were arrested earlier this month after officials removed her 15-year-old son from their home in Escanaba. Both are charged with first-degree child abuse, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and torture.

Police went to the home earlier this month because a relative of the boy asked officials to check on the child’s welfare. Police found the teen living upstairs in an 8-by-10-foot room made from tarps that he was rarely allowed to leave.

No court date has been rescheduled. Bardo and Pellinen remain lodged in the Delta County jail without bond. Each face up to life in prison if convicted.

The teen is now under the care of Child Protective Services.

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